Found this new info put out by the ATC. Given the many views and responses recently given to the subject on the "Magic is bad for the trail" thread I thought this might be useful. There is also a very good article on the subject in the October edition of Backpacker Magazine re: the trail party scene titled "Trail Daze". Thanks and I like the new format!
http://appalachiantrail.org/home/exp...ng/trail-magic